Program security review

MiCT is seeking a (digital) security expert (individual or organisation) that can provide a comprehensive review of digital and physical communication channels of the Fellowship for Critical Voices program. MiCT invites interested and qualified applicants to submit proposals by 10.12.2023

1. Introducing MiCT

Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) is a non-profit organisation delivering expert media services in complex and challenging contexts with passion, precision and agility. Through our collaborative work with our partners, we foster transparent, inclusive and fair dialogue supporting resilient societies that thrive.

Across three continents and 15 countries, MiCT facilitates the training of journalists and media producers, programme and content development, radio and film production, magazine and book publishing, media research and monitoring, in addition to supporting the financial viability of our partners.

2. The Program

The MiCT Critical Voices Fellowship is aimed at media professionals from war and crisis regions who share a common value in their professional journalistic integrity. The program is currently focused on journalists and media makers from Afghanistan, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan and other conflict or emergency contexts (roughly 15 countries). Over 500 Fellows receive expert safety advice, online training, legal advice, psycho-social support, production support, and access to a global community of like-minded media professionals.

3. Description of the role

Together with its partners in 7 countries, MiCT supports to over 500 Fellows including journalists and media makers from over 15 countries. To ensure secure communication and documentation is guaranteed across all project lines, MiCT is looking for the following services:

1. Holistic assessment of existing security documents (one 11 page security plan & one 3 page emergency security guideline) and workflows of the program, including the work of the team in Berlin and communication with partners and case workers (total team roughly 25 people), Fellows, the donors and external advisors and partners, culminating threat model and concrete suggestions for improvement (max 30 pages). This should include, but is not limited to:
   • Digital communication between all involved
   • Physical storage of data
   • Classification & handling of sensitive data
   • Digital & physical security regulations for travel
   • Country-specific risk analysis for up to 15 country contexts
   • Security of financial transfers
2. Development of a revised Security Plan (including two revision cycles) of maximum 15 pages
3. Provision of onboarding guideline and refresher training outline for new colleagues and partners to ensure continued implementation of security plan, including checklist
4. Conducting up to 5 trainings (offline or online) for onboarding team (up to 30 people) to new processes and guidelines agreed (1 day each maximum), including provision of powerpoint necessary for further onboarding
5. Availability for security advice up to 50hours, invoiced at an hourly rate

Selection does not guarantee full provision of service. Each service (A-E) should be able to be offered independently and will be paid based on actual service provided. Activities are to be started upon contract signing, in 2023. Availability for security advice should be guaranteed until hours have been completed, latest until the 31.12.2024. The contract will be a service contract, under § 14 UVgO of German procurement law.

4. Criteria of selection

Successful applicants should be able to provide proof of the following:

• In-depth knowledge of (digital) security questions
• Experience in organisational development and advice in security questions
• Availability to begin work in 2023 preferred, with flexible availability for security advice as per 3E throughout the project duration
• Experience with (digital) security concerns in various international settings
• Experience working with journalists and people in crisis and conflict regions preferred
• Working knowledge of English is required
• Knowledge of languages spoken in other project countries preferred.